News

MP wants answers over Mustang cash

Published

12 years ago

June 24, 2014

A LOCAL MP is now looking into the circumstances surrounding the collapse of boat building firm Mustang Marine in Pembroke Dock, the Herald can reveal.

Simon Hart MP has this week met with both Stephen Hammond, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, and David Jones, Secretary of State of Wales, to express his concern that local firms, who are owed hundreds of thousands of pounds, will not get a penny after the firm went into administration. He has also contacted Alec Don, Chief Executive of Milford Haven Port Authority, seeking clarification regarding a number of points which he feels are a cause for concern. MHPA has confirmed they have replied to the MP. Mr Hart told The Herald: “Milford Haven Port Authority (MHPA) is being disingenuous about the Mustang affair. As a Trust Port, it has both a moral and legal responsibility to the community, including the creditors.” He added: “I understand that Alec Don and Andrew Jones were the directors who signed off Mustang Marine’s accounts for 2012, which correctly stated under accounting guidelines that the company was a subsidiary of MHPA. “It is for this reason that I find Alec Don’s comments that he cannot account for the different terminology used by the respective auditors of the Port Authority and Mustang Marine confusing. “As a Trust Port accounts should be accurate, informative and in particular transparent. “Suppliers and sub-contractors have stated that they took comfort from the fact that they were dealing with a Trust Port’s subsidiary.” Local firms are owed around £600,000. Simon Hart told The Herald: “The reality is that in some 22 months after the Port’s involvement and management control of Mustang Marine, the Authority has suffered a loss of £2.7m and other parties have lost up to a further £2m. Many people have lost their livelihood and local companies have suffered substantial losses from which it may take years to recover.” In a further development, documents submitted by Mustang’s administrators, Grant Thornton UK LLP, have revealed that losses at the company were due to the failure to achieve assumed margins on new build projects – as well as other disruption and delays. They also revealed that an unprecedented expenditure of £375,000 on refurbishing the firm’s Pembroke Dock offices – which were leased from MHPA – had placed huge pressure on the company’s cash flow. A lack of robust business procedures in quoting for contracts; sub-standard project and performance management and inadequate reporting were all ultimately causes of the firm’s demise, according to documents now lodged with Companies House. Last week, The Herald revealed that MHPA were unwilling to pay the debts owed by Mustang. Alec Don said that the port had “a responsibility but not a legal liability to the creditors.” But Simon Hart told The Herald: “In its accounts, the Port Authority described Mustang Marine as a subsidiary company – credit searches made by businesses supplying Mustang also confirmed this – but once the company entered into administration the Port decided to distance itself from the firm. “It is questionable that when the rain started coming in, they took a step back”, he added. The Herald can reveal that what money is left is quickly dwindling – Grant Thornton is being paid on average £253 per hour to administer the firm and have so far billed hundreds of hours. There are also questions being asked this week about £103,000 which was paid by the struggling firm to directors by way of fees before it collapsed – this is a similar figure to the £104,290 currently owed to Mustang employees. Last week The Herald confirmed that HSBC Bank Plc and Mustang Director Huw Thomas Lewis, who are owed £274,000 and £296,000 respectively, are likely to be paid out as their loans to the company are secured by way of a debenture. Unsecured creditors are owed £3,143,725.

The Herald put questions to Alec Don, chief executive, Milford Haven Port Authority

THE PEMBROKESHIRE HERALD met with Alec Don, MHPA Chief Executive, at his office yesterday (Thursday).

The Herald put it to Alec Don that as a Trust Port, the Authority had a responsibility to all stakeholders: including port users, employees and the local community over Mustang, and the trail of debt left behind. He replied: “We do not feel there is a moral or legal responsibility but at the same time, as a Trust Port, we want to be on standby to do what we can to help. We have done masses to assist including giving extra time to pay rent.” “We will be putting money into a community interest company which will be operated by Haven Marine Services Limited. The aim of the CIC will be to help the creditors of Mustang get back some of the money they are owed.” Asked if the Mustang project was too much of a gamble for the Port, Alec Don said: “Mustang was a joint venture with MHPA. We wanted it to succeed. We wanted to support them as a business that was trading around the port.” He added: “The reason for the failure of the company in my view was due to the company trying to build two boats – both the first of their class – at the same time. Those projects went wrong. In fact, the whole Mustang project was a hell of a challenge.” Alec Don said: “It is easy to make comments after the event with the help of hindsight. What was clear is that the customers of Mustang felt that the products it was delivering were of the highest quality.”

THE NEW MUSTANG

Alec Don said: “The new Mustang company – Mustang Marine Ltd – will now have to prove themselves in the market. But, they are led by a strong management team. Kevin Lewis (A former director of Mustang Marine (Wales) Ltd) is working with the new company, and he is the person who brings most knowledge from the old business to the new business. There are new people and new capital. There are new investors to bring strength. The new chairman of Mustang is Mark Meade, who has strong commercial skills.” He added: “We cannot pay Mustangs debts because we have a responsibility to the rest of the business. We have volatile earning streams. Earnings are going up and down. We need to maintain a strong balance sheet. We cannot honour the aspirations of the Port if we act as charity.” “We want to do what we can to support businesses in the port, but we have to remember that we are building the haven’s future, where the future is unpredictable.” Andy Jones from MHPA, also at the meeting said: “We are here to ensure the stewardship of the port for future generations, and this is something that we have to do diligently.” Mr. Don did not wish to comment about reports that MHPA had sent a report to the Department of Transport following the collapse of Mustang. But he did say: “The DoT, as an important stakeholder, would be interested on the impact the collapse of Mustang might have in the Port.” He also said that the reasons why £103,000 was paid to directors of Mustang as it was losing money was now a question for the administrators. Alec Don concluded the meeting by saying: “I bitterly regret that Mustang went down. We lost £2.7m. We are pleased though, that new businesses have emerged safeguarding 40 jobs in and around the haven.” He also said that a reference in the MHPA annual report to Mustang as ‘subsidiary’ was actually a mistake, and it was not meant in the “true legal sense”.

Community

Doorstep warning issued after reports of suspicious callers in Pembrokeshire

Published

10 hours ago

April 14, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Residents in Haverfordwest and St Davids urged to watch out for vulnerable neighbours after social media alerts

A WARNING has been issued to residents in parts of Pembrokeshire after separate social media reports of suspicious doorstep callers in both Haverfordwest and St Davids.

In Haverfordwest one resident said a man called at his home at around 6:10pm on Tuesday (Apr 14), claiming he was an ex-convict from South Shields selling cheap household goods in an effort to get his life back on track.

The Merlins Bridge resident said the man claimed there was a wider team operating in the area in a similar way. He reported that the caller then knocked at several more homes along Venns Close before heading towards Greenhill Drive and the roundabout.

The man was described as wearing black waterproof trousers and a royal blue waterproof coat, with dark medium-length hair and no hat. He was also said to be carrying a large holdall, possibly containing items for sale.

In a separate post circulating online, residents in St Davids were also warned to be cautious after reports of men wearing backpacks and baseball caps going door-to-door.

The post claimed police had been in the area several times during the day looking for the individuals. Residents were urged to keep doors locked and to contact police if they saw anything suspicious.

While none of the claims have been independently verified by The Herald, the reports have prompted calls for people to remain vigilant, secure doors, gates and vehicles, and check in on elderly or vulnerable neighbours.

Residents suggested the activity may be linked to so-called “Nottingham Knockers”, a term often used to describe cold callers selling goods door-to-door, sometimes amid concerns that vulnerable households may be targeted.

He said he had reported the Haverfordwest incident to Dyfed-Powys Police via the force’s website. The reference number given was CDS-76190-26-6300-002.

Anyone who sees suspicious behaviour is advised to report it to Dyfed-Powys Police.

Crime

Romino’s licence revoked after illegal workers found and fire risks exposed

Published

11 hours ago

April 14, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Takeaway in Cardigan ordered to shut by 11:00pm after council hearing backed by immigration officials, police and fire service

A TAKEAWAY in Cardigan has lost its premises licence after repeated enforcement visits uncovered illegal working and serious fire safety failings.

Ceredigion County Council’s Licensing Sub Committee decided to revoke the premises licence for Romino’s Pizza and Kebab following a hearing held on Monday, April 7.

The review was brought by Home Office Immigration Enforcement and supported by Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service and Dyfed-Powys Police.

During four separate visits to the business, officers found a total of eight people said to be working illegally at the premises.

Fire safety inspectors also identified a number of serious breaches, leading to prohibition notices being issued because of the risks posed to staff, customers and the wider public.

The committee concluded that revoking the licence was proportionate and necessary in order to uphold the licensing objectives, in particular the prevention of crime and disorder and the protection of public safety.

As a result of the decision, the business will now be required to close at 11:00pm unless an appeal is lodged.

A spokesperson for Ceredigion County Council said: “We welcome the Licensing Sub Committee’s decision to revoke the Premises Licence for Romino’s in Cardigan. This reflects the seriousness of the issues identified and the clear risks posed.”

The action follows earlier enforcement steps taken in March.

On March 5, immigration officers visited the premises and found two Turkish men allegedly working there illegally. A closure notice was issued at once, preventing access to the site and stopping any work from taking place.

The Home Office said that on three previous visits, a further six people had been found working illegally at the same business. Those responsible were handed fines totalling £135,000.

An illegal working compliance order was later granted at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on March 6. Such orders place strict conditions on a business, including requirements to carry out right-to-work checks and permit ongoing inspections.

Although the takeaway later reopened, the Home Office pressed ahead with its application for a licence review on the grounds of preventing crime and disorder.

A spokesperson said illegal working harms lawful businesses, drives down wages and can be linked to organised immigration crime.

Business

Sauna Uno brings coastal wellness experience to West Wales

Published

14 hours ago

April 14, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Bespoke mobile sauna offers sea views, cold-water immersion and private group bookings along the Pembrokeshire coast

A UNIQUE mobile sauna experience is bringing a fresh take on relaxation and wellbeing to the West Wales coast, combining traditional heat therapy with sea air, cold-water immersion and some of the region’s most dramatic views.

Sauna Uno is a custom-built mobile sauna designed to offer guests the benefits of a Nordic-style sauna experience in a striking coastal setting. Operating from selected locations in West Wales, it allows visitors to step from the warmth of a wood-fired sauna into the open air, with the option of a cold plunge or sea swim as part of the ritual.

Set against the backdrop of beaches, cliffs and Atlantic skies, the experience is built around contrast — intense heat followed by cold water, shared conversation followed by quiet reflection, and the comfort of the sauna against the raw beauty of the Pembrokeshire coastline.

Designed for comfort

Inside, Sauna Uno has been carefully designed to create a welcoming and practical space for both individuals and groups. The sauna includes a spacious seating area, large viewing windows, heated changing facilities, and a selection of herbal teas, cold water and natural essential oils to enhance the experience.

The aim is to combine the health benefits of sauna use with the calming effect of the coastal environment, creating something that feels both restorative and memorable.

Its owners say the concept is about more than simply getting warm.

Sauna Uno is intended to offer people the chance to slow down, reconnect with nature and enjoy a moment of calm in a busy world — whether that is after a sea swim, as part of a wellness session, or simply as a social experience with friends.

Popular for groups and private hire

The mobile sauna has proved especially popular for group bookings, with enough space for friends, families and small parties to enjoy the experience together.

Bookings are regularly made for birthdays, private gatherings, group wellness sessions and retreat-style coastal days out. The setting, combined with the shared nature of the sauna experience, has made it an increasingly attractive alternative to more traditional celebrations.

To encourage group celebrations, Sauna Uno is currently offering a ten per cent discount on birthday group bookings.

That offer is expected to appeal to those looking for something a little different — an occasion centred on wellbeing, the outdoors and spending quality time together rather than the usual restaurant or nightlife options.

A growing wellness trend

Sauna culture has grown in popularity across the UK in recent years, with more people turning to heat therapy, cold-water immersion and outdoor wellness experiences as a way to support both physical and mental health.

Regular sauna use is commonly linked to improved circulation, muscle recovery, reduced tension and stress relief. Many enthusiasts also say the combination of heat and cold helps improve mental clarity, resilience and overall wellbeing.

At coastal sites, that effect can be heightened by the surrounding landscape, fresh air and sea views, turning a sauna session into a more immersive experience.

Visitors to Sauna Uno have praised the quality of the heat, the design of the sauna and the peaceful atmosphere created by the coastal locations. Sunset sessions and winter bookings have proved particularly popular, with many describing the combination of hot sauna and cold sea air as both invigorating and deeply calming.

Making the most of the coast

By operating as a mobile unit, Sauna Uno is able to make use of carefully chosen coastal spots across West Wales, bringing the experience closer to the sea and giving guests access to some of the area’s most scenic locations.

For many, that sense of place is what sets it apart.

Rather than being tucked away indoors, Sauna Uno makes the natural environment part of the experience itself — offering a way to enjoy the coast in all seasons, whether under clear skies, in the golden light of sunset, or with wild weather rolling in off the Atlantic.

With interest continuing to grow and weekend sessions often booked in advance, organisers are encouraging people to plan ahead for private hire, birthday bookings and group visits.

For bookings and enquiries, their Facebook page can also be found by searching Sauna Uno.